Folding handle bar for bicycles



Dec. 26, 1944.

w. SCHWINN FOLDING HANDLE BAR FOR 'BICYCLES Filed Aug. 14, 1943 35 4a 17 as Patented Dec. 26, 1944 UNITED} 'STATESPATENT orrlcs FOLDING HANDLE BAR FOR BICYCLES Frank W. Schwinn, Chicago,

Application August 14, 1943, Serial No. 498,685 I Claims. (01. 74-5513) The present invention relates to folding handle bars for bicycles, and while such folding handle bars may be employed upon any bicycle to adconstructed according to the invention, showing Another object of the invention th provision of an improvedflf'olding handle bar construction which includes handle bar members pivotally mounted upon a securing member, and in which the construction is such that most of the strain is taken by auxiliary inter-engaging members to relieve strains on the securing member.

Another object of the invention is the proe vision of an improvedhandle bar construction having means for interlocking the handl bars and their supporting fixture when the handle bars are in the folded or in the operative position, and also having means for automatically aligning the handle bars and the supporting fix,-

ture in proper position for the inter-engagement of their parts. Another object of which is simple, sturdy, and adapted to be manufactured ata low cost and adapted to. be used a for a long period of time without rattling or loosening or necessity for repair or replacement of any of its parts.

Another object of the invention is the pro- 'vision of an improved handle bar construction which is particularly. adapted to be moved from the folded position to theoperative position very speedily in total darkness, and in which there is no possibility of misalignment of any of the elements of the construction when so operated.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawing, in which similar characters of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the single sheet of drawings ac companying this specification,

the invention is the provision of an improved handle bar construction the handle bars in their operative position in full lines and the folded position in dotted lines; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view, with the right handle bar in section, showing the position which the parts assume when in operative position;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary top the details ofconstruction. of the handlebar support in the sam position;

Fig.4 'is -a fragmentary rear elevational view, with the handle barsjshown in full lines in operative position and in dotted lines in the folded" position; andzifi:

Fig. 5 is an exploded view, showing in perspective the details of construction of the extension section or supporting fixturev for the handle bar and that end of the handle bar which is secured to this extension.

Referring to Fig. 1, l0 indicates the steering post, which is provided with a handl bar extension section "II, having an integral collar 12. a

The collar l2 may have a'cylindrical aperture l3, with a tight fit on the steering post Ill, to which it may be brazed. The extension member ll preferably has a tubular body 14, which ex tends at an angle 'diverginjgslightly from the right angle relation with respect to the aXis of collar I2 and steering post In in order to bring the tubular body l4 into substantially horizontal position when the steering post I!) extends upwardly and rearwardly of a vertical position.

At its rear end the'handle bar extension member H is provided with a substantially T-shaped enlargement [5, having a horizontal portion l6 and a vertical portion H. The horizontal portion I6 is preferably formedwith a plurality of grooves l8, 19, the grooves being bounded by the ribs 20, 2|, andZZ.

The grooves, are preferably of substantially V shape, except that they have a fiat base 23, thereby widening the grooves and permitting the use of ribs of greater widthand strength. Thus, each oftheribs may have a substantially plane top at 24, 26. a a

The-tops-25; 26 of thenribsil, 22are in substantially the same plane, but the top 24 of the rib20projects further than the ribs 211, 22, for a pur ose further to be explained; 7

The vertical portion ll of the T-shajped member l 5 is also provided with the vertically extendin ribs21,28, 29. These: ribs bound the grooves 30, 3|. I'n'this case the flat upper ridge of the plan view, showing portion 58.

rib 28 is higher than the topof the ribs 21, 29, for a purpose further to be explained.

The tubular part M of the extension I l and the head I are provided with'a cylindrical through bore 32, which is threaded toreceive the threaded portion 33 of a securing bolt 34.

This bolt may also have a cylindrical shank portion 35 and a fiat circular head 36, with an axially extendinghub fla The hea' dfifimayhave an annular? thrust surface 38 on it's' uppersid'ei-in Fig. 3 for engagingthe handle bar sections 39, 40. The hub 31 preferably has a transverse through bore 4| for receiving asmallrod or pin 42, which serves as a handle for actuating the bolt 34. l

The handle pin 42 may have both of its ends headed or riveted over, as indicated at" an'd'it. is slidably mounted in the bore 4| so thatiit can be moved to have either end of the handle pin 42 projecting; whichever may be convenient to theoperator; i i

The transverse iiore l l' inthe' nut 3 communicates with an axial bore 4w the bolt- 34%. for housing a compression sprihg: 45. The compres- Sion spring 45' bears against Glihl'lldl oi theE-bor' 44. and engages the handle pini 452: to the handle: pin any adjusted. position to whiizlii it may he move-d5 by: rattling.

Thahuh 35!: also: serves the -purpose of' prov-idingacentral: support florcai spring. 41%,, which-is ar a ed andz adapted; to: move: the handle bars from the folded dotted line positioniofi Fig; 1;. to the full. linepositior-nofi 11;.

The spring 43:, may; have a: plurality of: helical coils at. its. central; portiom 4%,, the: helical: oo'iis beingrwrappediahoutthe hub 31 betweemthe' head 36 and the handle pini 42.. Eachie'hdlofithemen tral: portion 47! may'have. a tangentially extendingstr'aight spring? pertionz48,-.49;.which:. extends laterallyandsils bent: forwardly a tiilin eachicase so that it may be provided with a partially ci'rfcula'r' portion: 51 for engaging. the lower part of each handlebar 52 53. v

The spring; 46- is so" tensionedi that it-urges the handle bars: upward; but they may, be: moved against th tension of: the spring: downward to the dotted line position of .Fig-r 1 The handle bars 5 53 arecarried: by two handle bar pivot members 39, These. pivot members, with: the handle bar extension, member ll, arepreferably machined. forgings- The pivot members 39,. 49 am substantially cylindrical at the points 54., where they areals'o provided with annular shoulders.SE'and reducedlcylind'rical tubular portions; 56 foii reception in. the, tubular handlebars 52,539

The: handle bar tubes. 52, 531 are preferably a tight fit on the reduced"cylindricalipontions 56' of the members 39,. 40,,tawhich they are also brazed.

The handle bars preferably: extendl diagonally upward and. laterally from the mer'n'lcl'ersv 39",, 40, these diagonal portions-beingindicatedliy n'iim'er a'l's 5 1 (Fig; 1')",. and" the majbr'portion of the handle bars comprises the" laterally" extending Thehandle bars may have rearward-1 y extending portions rovided with grips 59*, or they may he'- merely straight laterally extending handle bars with grips at' tliei'rout'erend's;

Each of thepivot memb ers= 3U, 41! fhr'tlfe' handle bars provided with aipivotportion. sin, dl hav me: a centrally located cylindrical: bore". 82 for passing the shank of. the bolt- 35; whfch shank 63 is also substantially cylindrical. The pivot the operator." and to: prevent portions 60, 6| are equal in thickness to one-half of the distance between the head 36 of the bolt and the face of the head l5 on the saddle bar extension ll, so that the pivot portions 60 may be clamped against the face of the saddle bar extension by the head 36 of the bolt 35.

.These pivot portions 60, 6| may have substantially cylindrical outer surfaces 64, since these surfaces on eachlpivot portion-opposethe surface E5 on the: larger cylindriball portion 54 'of these forgings. Thus, each of the pivot members 39,

. 40- occupies only half of the length of the shank 6 3 of the bolt 35, and the two pivot members 39,

' 40' have-a limited range of rotation on the bolt murder to secure the handle bars positively in fixedposition and to relieve the securing bolt from strains;.each: of. the pivot members 33,,40'is provided with one or more; preferably/two; ribs 01? teeth? 8'6 6! adapted to be? received: in the: grooves I85. I9 when the handlebars are up;. and one of these teeth;v that is; the tooth 61:, is IEe ceived in". the groove 3ll= or: 3I',.When the handle bars are down: The teeth 66;. (it are? the same shape as. previously described; with: respect to. the grooves, and may are: separated: by a: groove: 68; which is alsoithe-same sh'ape;;and;imparticulair-adapted to; receivetheirih fl, 2:1, or 29:.

The ribs 66, t1: and grooves 681 are. so: that they extend horizontally for" inter=e1rgagee ment with gmoves: It: [9 and; rib 2. 1: when the handle bars are substantially horizontal. This involve the location of the ribs 66, 61' slightly above-the axis oftlie boretil Referring t'o Fig-zfi and' Fig: 53-, the bearing porit'io'n 60 on the handle bar extension 4'Il is ofs'in1'- ilar sh'ape to theorie' shown in Fig: 53 exceptith'at this'is the-most forward of the two" collars; and it hasth'epartially cylindrical surface rig, 3t

forpermittihg' rotation withrespect to thecylirrdrical surface 64 on the pivot portion 60 of the memberw; It has'si'mil'ar'teeth 6'6; G l, eparated bye; groove 68on its'uppersideinFig. 3 for en -trateu in Figs, 2 to 4, theribs at, 6-1 or each handle bar are in the end portions of' grooves It:

IQgtha'tis, the horizontal portibns'of the r-shaped head I 5. V

When the handle bars are folded in the" dotted line position of Fig. 1, the rib' 2Tonthe:T'-shape'd' head" [5" (Fig; 5) is in the groove" 68 of the left handle bar extension 39; Also, the" rib 23' o'n th e right side of T-shaped head ofthe, extension I! isrl'ocatedin the groove 68 ofthe right hand handle bar. pivot member 40;

It has-beenpreviously pointed out thatl'the up permostrib 20 is of. greater. height than the ribs 2-I, Z2 Thatadd'itional heightofthe rib' Myer} 1|,itis only necessary to cut a recess forit at 14in the rib 28 adjacent bore 32 because the bore 32 -is locatedadjacent grooves 19, 3D, and 3|,

whichalready provide space for the wire "H.

The operation of this thrust member H is as follfowsz When the bolt 35 is retracted by being tllljfl'lfid, it progresses outward of the threaded bore 32, and the thrust member H causes the bolt to carry with it the handle bar pivot members 39, All and the handle bars 52, 53. a l a This withdraws the ribs66, 61 from the grooves in which they happen to be located; When the bolt is inthis withdrawn position, the top flat surfaces of ribs 66, 61 are able to clear the top flat surfaces of ribs 2|, 22 or 21 or29,but they do not clear the higher rib 20. Instead, the side surface 10 of the rib 66 engagesthe side surface 69 of the rib 20, providing a definite stop a for the upward pivotal movement of the handle bars and locating the ribs 66, 61 so that they are ready to go into the grooves l8, l9 when the screw bolt 25 is again driven home ina clockwise direction.

It has already been described marine vertically extending rib 28 (Fig. on thelower part of the T-shaped head 15 is higher than the ribs 21, 29. This is for the purpose of providinganother definite stop for engaging the sidesurface of. the ribs 61 when those ribs are moved down ribs 66, Glare in alignment with the grooves l8, l9, into which they are to be driven. The screw bolt 35 may then be rotated in a clockwise direction, driving ribs lifi," 61 of each an handle bar intothe grooves I8, 19 and securing the handle bars in their horizontal position.

Thus, the handle bars may be unfolded and moved into operative position anclsecured there withoutany attention of the operator except to loosen the bolt 35 and tighten it again. a

The present construction is peculiarlyadapted to be used for military purposes, where it may be necessary to operate the mechanism in the dark or quickly on a moment's notice.

When it is desired to fold the handle bars, it is only necessary to retract the bolt 35 again, thus withdrawing the ribs 65,31 from the grooves l8, l9; and when such a point is reached that the handle bars maybe pivoted downward, then they are both moved downward by hand, tensioning the spring 46 until the rib 6? in each case hits the side of the rib 28, which acts as a stop surface to efiect an alignment of the ribs 61 to the vertical position at the time the handle bars are moved to the vertical dotted line position Of Fig. 1. l l 1 The operation of the folding handle bar is as follows; The handle bars 52, 53 maybe secured in the dotted line position of Fig. l to fold them into more compact space.

It will be observed that in Fig. 1 they, are preferably of such lengththat they do not interfere with the fork 15. When in this position,each tooth Blof a handle baris locatedin a, groove or 3%. Each vertical tooth 21,29 onthe exl tension H is located ina groove 63 cfthe pivot members 39 or 49. V a a The bolt. is driven home in its threaded bore 32; holding these ribs in inter-engaging position. a e

The spring is tensioned andready to move the handle bars to operative position, but ,the force of the spring isopposed by the inter-engaging When the operator desires to use the bicycle, it is only necessary for him to rotate the threadedfbolt 35 by means of its handle, with which the bolt is rotated in a counterclockwise direction.

As the bolt 35 is withdrawn, itsthrust member 7!! also withdraws thepivot members 39,49 of the handle bars and the ribs 66, 6'! from engagement with the ribs and grooves of the handie bar extension II. I When the ribs 56, 6'!

clear the ribs 21 and 29, then rotationof the handle bars on the bolt 35 is permitted, and spring 46 automatically moves the handle bars up to the horizontal position. Then the sides of ribs 66 engage the side of the higher rib 20 single'bolt. A The unfolding of the and instantaneous, and the handle bars are so with the grooves30, 3|. While the operator holds the handle bars in this position, he then tightens the bolt 35 again to secure the handle bars in foldedposition. A It will thus be observed that I have invented an improved handlebar construction in which the handle bars may bev unfolded immediately and in which they automatically seek their proper position of alignment with the inter-engaging ribs so located that they will secure the handle bars in proper positionby means of thetightening of a handle bars is automatic secured by this single bolt that the strain is taken by the inter-engaging ribs and grooves on machined .forgings, which are well adapted to with stand the strains. M

a The present construction is simple and adapted to be manufactured ata low cost and capable of use for a long'period of time without necessity for repair or replacement. a a While I have illustrated a preferred embodimerit of my invention, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the l invention, and I donot wish tobelimited to the precise details of construction set forth, but de-- sire to avail myself of all changes Within the scope of the appended claims. V a

, Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to; secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

r 1. In a handle bar structure, the combination of an extension fixture adapted to be carried by f a steering post, saidfixture having a substantially .T-shaped face, said face being provided with substantially horizontal ribs and grooves, and said fixture having apthreadedbore in said face, a threaded bolt in said bore, a pair of handle bars pivotally mounted on said bolt, said handle bars being providedwith ribs and grooves extending in substantially horizontal. direction when the handlebars are in operative position, for inter.

looking engagement with theribs and grooves on said fixture. I Y

2. In a handle bar structure, the combination of an extension fixture adapted to be carried by a steering post,said,fixture having a substantially T-shaped face, said face being provided with substantially horizontalribs and grooves, and said threaded: bolt; in: said. hora, a": pair of; handle; bars.

pivotally mounted; onsaid bolt,,.said handle bars being; provided'with;ribsand; grooves extending in substantially"horizontali direction when the; handle: bars are; in. operative position, for interlockfixture having a; threaded bore in said faca a threaded bolt in said: b'ore,,a pair of handle bars pivotally mounted onsaid bolt, said handle bars being provided with. ribs; and grooves extending ins substantially horizontal direction when the handle-bars are in operative. position, for interlocking engagement with the ribsand grooves on, said fixture, the uppermost of. the. ribs; onsaid fixture. being of greater depth to provide. a stop surface on its side for engaging the; uppermost surface on the ribs of said handle, bars. to: effect an. alignment of the ribs andv groove 05 handle bars: and fixture whenihandle. bars are in the operativaposition;

+1.. In. a, handle bar structure, the. combination of an extension fixture adapted to be: carried by a steerin post, said. fixture having a substantially T-shaped: face, said tacebeing providedwith substantially horizontal rib and grooved-and. said fixture having a threaded here. im said, face, a threaded bolt: insaidbona, a pair of; handle bars pivot-ally mounted on said. bolt, said a dle b rs being: provided with ribs:- and, grooves. extending, in substantially horizontal direction. when, the handle bars are in operative position, for. interlock.- ing engagement with theribseand grooves. onsaid fixture, saidbolt having a head engaging, said handle. bars,, and. said head having. an axially extendin hub provided with a. handle. for actuating said b.olt.. I

5. In. a handle. bar structura. the combination ofan extension fixture. adapted'to be carried by asteering post, said fixturev having a substantially IT-shaped. face, said f ace, being, provided with? substantially horizontalribs. and. grooves, and" said fixture having a threaded, bore in said face, a

I I threaded. bolt. in said bore,.a pair of handle bars pivotally mounted, on said bolt, said handle bars being provided with ribs and grooves'extendingin substantially horizontal. directiorrwhen the han- ,dle; bars arainl operative position, for interlocking, engagement with. the ribs and" grooveson said fixture, said. bolt, having a; head engaging said handle. bars. and, said, head having an, axiall'yextending hub provided with a handle for actuating said bolt,. said handle comprising a metal rod slidably mounted" in a bore-in said hub.

6;, In a handlebar structure, the combination of an. extension, fixture adapted to be carried by a steering post, said fixturehaving-'a'substantially T shaped face said face being provided with substantially"horizontali ribs and" grooves; said fixture havinga threaded bore in said face, a threaded bolt in said bore, a pair of handle bars pivotally mounted on said bolt, said handle bars being; providedwith ribs and grooves extending in" substantially horizontal direction when the handle bars are in operative position, for inter locking engagement with the ribs and grooves on said, fixture, said; bolt having a head engaging said handlebars, andv said. head having, an axially extendinghub. provided withahandle for. actuating, said bolt,. an actuating spring carried. by said hub, and having portions urging each. of saidhandlebars from folded to operative position.

steering, post extensionfixture comprising, a substantially T-shaped head; on, said fixture, said head being provided with a centrally located threaded bore. and. having the top of. the head formed. with.v a. pair of transversely extending groovesiseparated by a. ridge, the. stem of said, T also bein provided with a pair of grooves extending downward and separatedby a ridge, the ridge being penetrated. by said bore, a pair of handlebarsupporting fixtures, each of the latter beingprovidedwith a reduced portion to be re.- ceived. in a tubular handle bar, each of. said handlebar supporting fixtures being formed with abearing portion having athroughbore and with abody portion having a substantially axially projectinggpair. of ribs separated by a groove, said groove being located to. receive either the rib on the topof, the T-shaped steerin post fixture or the ribon the stem of the, T-shaped steering post fixture, and threaded meanslocated in said bore and adapted, to hold said fixtures -in tight immovable engagement relative to each other in either of two positions,

. 8;. In a folding handle bar. construction, a connecting structure, between a handle bar and. a steering post. extension fixture comprising asubstantially. T-shaped head on said fixture, said head being provided with a centrally located threaded bore and having the top of the head formed with a pair of transversely extending grooves separated by a ridge, the stem of said T also being provided. with. a pair of grooves extending downward and separated by a ridge, theridge being penetrated by said bore, a pair of handle bar supporitng fixtures, each of the latter being provided with a reduced portion .to

be received in a tubular handle bar, each of said handle bar supporting fixtures beingformed with a bearing portion having a through bore and with a body portion having a substantially axially projecting pair of ribs separated by a groove, said groove being located to receive either the rib on the top of the T-shaped steering post fixture or the rib on the stem of the T-shaped steering post fixture, and threaded means located in said boreand adapted to hold said fixtures in tight immovable engagement relative to each other in either of two positions, said threaded means comprising a cylindrical threaded member provided with a head for engaging the adjacent bearing portion of a handle barfixture, said head projecting axially and being provided with a transverse slidabl'e bar for actuation of the '9. ha foldinghandlebar-construction, a connecting, structure between a handle bar anda steering post' extension fixture comprising a sub stantially T -shaped' head on said fixture, said head being provided with a centrally located threaded bore and having the top of the head formed with a pair 'of transversely extending grooves separated by a ridge, the stem of said T also being provided with a pair of grooves extending downward and separated by a ridge, the ridge being penetrated by said bore, a pair: of handle bar supporting fixtures, each of the latter 7., Ina folding handle bar construction, a con-. necting, structure between a. handlebar andja n being provided with a reduced portion to be received in a tubular handle bar, each of said handlebar supporting fixtures being formed with a bearing portion having a through bore and with t a body portion having a substantially axially projecting pair of ribs separated by a groove, said groove being located to receive either the rib post fixture, and threaded means located in said bore and adapted to hold said fixtures in tight immovable engagement relative to each other in either of two positions, said threaded means com-- prising a cylindrical threaded member provided with a head for engaging the adjacent bearing portion of a handle bar fixture, said head projecting axially and being provided with a transverse slidable bar for actuation of the threaded member, the said projecting portion of said head carrying a helical spring having outwardly projecting arms for engaging handle bars ing them to the riding position. v 1

10. In a folding handle bar construction, a connecting structure between a handle bar and a" steeringpost extension fixture comprising a substantially T-shaped head on said fixture, said head being provided with a centrally located on the top of the T-shaped steering post fixture or therib on the stem of the T-shaped steering fixture or the rib ontherstem of the T-shaped 20 and urgr v threadedbore and having the top of the head formed with a pair of transversely extending grooves separated by a ridge, the stem of said T also being provided with a pair of grooves ex-,

tending downward and separated by a ridge, the

ridge being penetrated bysaid bore, a pair of handlebar supporting fixtures, each of the latter being provided with a reduced portion to be received in a tubular handle bar,each of said handle bar supporting fixtures being formed with a bearing portionhaving a through bore and with a body portion having a substantially axially projecting pair of ribs separated by a groove, said groove being located to receive either the rib on the top of the T-shaped steering post steering post fixture, and threaded means located in said bore and adapted to hold said fixtures in tight immovable engagement relative f to each other in either of two positions, the said steering post fixture having at its uppermost portion a transversely extending rib of greater altitude than the rib between its grooves to act as a stop surface for engaging the adjacent ribs on the handle bar-supporting fixtures when they are moved to riding position.

FRANK W. SCHWINN. 

